1328 Incidence and severity of oral complications in patients receiving peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Autologous and allogenic bone marrow transplantation has allowed the administration of higher doses of chemotherapy and radiation (Carl <i>et al</i>. 1985). These patients are at risk of developing life threatening oral complications which are multifactorial in origin. Rating the degree of oral complications provides the care team with valuable information. Research has been done on patients receiving bone marrow transplants to identify the frequency and severity of oral complications (Eilers <i>et al</i>. 1988, Weisdorf <i>et al</i>. 1989). The use of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in the place of autologous bone marrow is finding increased application. This approach offers a shortened nadir which will effect the incidence and severity of oral complications. Using the Oral Assessment Guide developed by Eilers <i>et al</i>. (1988) this paper will report the onset, peak, severity and incidence of oral complications of patients receiving peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Carl W, Higby D. Oral manifestations of bone marrow transplantation, <i>Am J Clin. Oncol</i>., 1985, 8:8 1–87 Eilers J., Berger A., Peterson M. Development, testing, application of the oral assessment guide, <i>Oncol. Nurs. Forum</i>, 1988, 15:325–330.